Cleveland terminates firefighter in shift scandal

CLEVELAND (AP) — The city of Cleveland has terminated the last firefighter to plead guilty in a shift-trading scandal that prosecutors said endangered public safety. The firefighter's attorney called the move unjustified.

Prosecutors accused Robinson of missing nearly 8,500 hours of work while working part-time as a substitute teacher and assistant football coach for Cleveland schools and daycare business operator, the news group reported.

"The egregious manner in which you violated the trust of your fellow firefighters shows a complete lack of integrity," Cleveland safety director Michael McGrath said in a letter to Robison informing him of his firing.

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Robinson was the last of 13 firefighters to plead guilty in the scandal.

A city audit had indicated some firefighters paid colleagues instead of trading shifts as they're allowed to do. Prosecutors argued that jeopardized public safety as firefighters missed training or their colleagues were overworked.

Defense attorneys and the firefighters' union, which was expected to appeal Robinson's firing, say that's not true.

Attorney Henry Hilow said Robison was disappointed with the city's decision.

"Given the mismanagement by the city, their treatment of Calvin is not justified," he said. "Calvin should be returned to work." He said Robinson would pursue "all remedies available to him."

The other firefighters have been on unpaid leave for several months. The city now says it will pursue administrative charges against 19 department supervisors.